As we reported earlier, President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. Army Apache helicopter that went down over the Strait of Hormuz had been shot down. The two-person crew was rescued, and Trump promised a response.
"I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz.
There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack. Thank you for your attention to this matter."
According to two senior US officials, Iranian drones were responsible.
Now, consequences are underway, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET today at the Commander in Chief’s direction, in response to yesterday’s downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter. The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 9, 2026
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET today at the Commander in Chief’s direction, in response to yesterday’s downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter. The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression.
There are reports of multiple locations being hit, including areas around the Strait: Qeshm Island, Sirik, Jask, and Bandar Abbas.
The US airstrikes targeted Iran’s Sirik and Jask naval bases, an air defense position in Bandar Abbas, coastal missile batteries in Minab and Qeshm, and the port of Qeshm, according to unofficial reports by local media in Hormozgan province.
— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) June 9, 2026
The US airstrikes targeted Iran’s Sirik and Jask naval bases, an air defense position in Bandar Abbas, coastal missile batteries in Minab and Qeshm, and the port of Qeshm, according to unofficial reports by local media in Hormozgan province.
Trump told ABC as the strikes started:
"I think it's very important to respond. They shot down a helicopter, and we are responding as we speak." He added: "This is a response to what they did they did with our helicopter last night, and I believe the response should be very strong, very powerful, and that's what this one is."
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it would deliver a “heavy response."
This is a developing story.
Editor's Note: For decades, former presidents have been all talk and no action. Now, Donald Trump is eliminating the threat from Iran once and for all.
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